Birth Control Methods - Is the Pill safe?

Everyone we know is on the pill. Is it safe?

Today’s pills are known to have lower doses of hormones than earlier birth control pills. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, this has greatly lowered the risk of side effects; however, there are both benefits and risks with taking birth control pills. Benefits include having more regular and lighter periods, fewer menstrual cramps; and a lower risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Serious side effects may include an increased chance, for some women, of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots. Minor side effects also include nausea, headaches, sore breasts, weight gain, irregular bleeding and depression. Most of these side effects are known to go away after taking the pill for a few months.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, women who smoke, are over age 35, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer are more at risk for dangerous side effects and may not be able to take the pill. Talk with your doctor or nurse about whether the pill is right for your spouse.

Also See:

• Birth Control Methods - Will birth control pills protect us from HIV?
• Birth Control Methods - What are dental dams?
• Birth Control Methods - How effective is withdrawal?
• Birth Control Methods - Are there any foams or gels?
• Birth Control Methods - What is the best method of birth control (or contraception)?
• Birth Control Methods - What are the different birth control methods that my spouse can use?